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Facade Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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facade

[fษ™หˆsษ‘หd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

building architecture

the principal front of a building, that faces on to a street or open space

Synonyms

exterior, front, frontage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
facade

Use this term often in architectural or formal descriptions, especially when talking about the front of a building that is designed to look impressive or attractive. It can also refer to a deceptive outward appearance.

  • The museum's facade is stunning with its intricate carvings
  • She maintained a facade of happiness despite her troubles
frontage

Commonly used in real estate and architecture, this word refers specifically to the front part of a property that faces a street. It's a more technical term.

  • The property has a wide frontage on Main Street
  • They are building a new shop with a glass frontage
exterior

This is a general term used to describe the outside part of something, most commonly a building or structure. It is more neutral and can be used in everyday language.

  • The exterior of the house needs a fresh coat of paint
  • The car's exterior was covered in snow
front

Use this word in more informal settings to describe the foremost part of something, like the front of a building or an object. It's straightforward and easy to understand.

  • They planted flowers in the front yard
  • The front of the book has a beautiful cover

Examples of usage

  • The facade of the old church was beautifully decorated with intricate carvings.
  • The modern building had a sleek glass facade.
Context #2 | Noun

figurative

an outward appearance that is maintained to conceal a less pleasant or creditable reality

Synonyms

mask, pretense, veneer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
facade

Use 'facade' to describe the front of a building or a superficial appearance that hides something less pleasant or true underneath.

  • The old building's facade was beautifully restored.
  • She managed to maintain a facade of happiness despite her problems.
veneer

Use 'veneer' to refer to a thin decorative cover or surface, or metaphorically to describe a superficial appearance that hides the true nature of something. It often implies insincerity or deceptiveness.

  • The table had a veneer of oak to make it look more expensive.
  • Her cheerful demeanor was just a veneer for her sadness.
mask

Use 'mask' when referring to something that conceals or hides true feelings, intentions, or facts. It often has a negative connotation.

  • He wore a mask of confidence, but inside he was very nervous.
  • Her kind words could not mask her underlying hostility.
pretense

Use 'pretense' to describe an attempt to make something that is not the case appear true. It has a strong negative connotation because it implies deceit.

  • He made a pretense of being interested in the conversation.
  • They were invited under the pretense of discussing business, but it was a trap.

Examples of usage

  • Behind her cheerful facade, she was struggling with deep sadness.
  • The company's friendly facade masked their unethical business practices.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Architecture

  • In architecture, facades are crucial for a building's aesthetic appeal, influencing the design and structure.
  • Many historical buildings boast elaborate facades, showcasing intricate details that reflect the era in which they were built.
  • Modern architecture often uses materials like glass and steel to create striking facades that express innovation.

Psychology

  • In psychology, a 'facade' refers to the exterior persona people present to mask their true feelings or thoughts.
  • Many individuals construct facades to cope with social pressure, leading to discussions about authenticity and vulnerability.
  • The concept explores how individuals balance societal expectations with their internal realities.

Literature

  • In literary works, characters often hide behind facades, leading to deeper explorations of their true selves and motivations.
  • Facades can symbolize conflicts between public personas and private identities, seen in novels like 'The Great Gatsby.'
  • Authors use the theme of facade to critique societal norms and the discrepancies between appearance and reality.

Pop Culture

  • Many films and TV shows explore the idea of facades, such as 'The Truman Show,' where the main character lives in an artificial reality.
  • In social media culture, users often present curated facades, which can lead to discussions about mental health and body image.
  • Songs often address the concept of facades, conveying messages about vulnerability and the need for honesty in relationships.

Origin of 'facade'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the French term 'faรงade,' which means 'face' or 'front.'
  • It originally referred to the exterior of buildings, especially those that are decorative.
  • The term is used metaphorically in English to describe deceptive appearances.

The word 'facade' originated from the French language, where it means 'front, face'. It entered the English language in the late 17th century. The architectural sense of 'facade' refers to the front of a building, often the most decorative part. The figurative sense of maintaining an outward appearance to conceal the truth came about in the 18th century.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,079, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.